ChatGPT can be used for recipes! AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the way we live and work. I’ve been a fan of exploring the capacities of AI to solve problems, develop content ideas, and create fun images. Today I decided to put ChatGPT to another test: creating an original and amazing recipe for buffalo chicken Mac and Cheese!
I love buffalo chicken anything! And buffalo chicken Mac and Cheese is one of my favorites. As far as restaurants around me go, I really love the Buffalo Mac ‘N Cheese they do up at the Oak Barrel Tavern in Worcester. They are my go-to when I’m craving this creamy, kickin’, comfort food. But I wanted to try making something myself, and thought I would give our friend ChatGPT a try. Who knew that Chat GPT could be used for making original recipes! But I also own a smoker grill, so my recipe would have to leverage using my smoker to cook it.
I typed the following into the ChatGPT search box: “Please create for me a decadent and flavorful smoked buffalo chicken Mac ‘N Cheese recipe that is strong on the buffalo flavor and super rich and creamy. I want to use my Rec Tec smoker grill for this recipe as well.”
THE RECIPE
ChatGPT said “Here’s a Smoked Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe designed to take full advantage of your Rec Tec smoker, with extra cheese, smoky depth, and a bold buffalo sauce kick!”
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (additional to taste)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Preheat your Rec Tech smoker to 250°F with your preferred wood pellets (hickory or applewood work great).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken on the smoker grates and smoke for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss it in 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is smoking, boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the buffalo sauce for that tangy kick, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gradually add the shredded cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, smoked gouda, and Monterey Jack), stirring until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- In a large cast-iron skillet or aluminum pan, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir in the buffalo shredded chicken.
- Taste and adjust the buffalo sauce level, adding more if you like extra heat!
5. Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
- (Optional) Add blue cheese crumbles on top for an extra bold buffalo flavor.
6. Smoke the Mac and Cheese:
- Place the assembled mac and cheese in the smoker. Smoke at 225°F for about 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the top to get lightly golden and crispy.
7. Serve:
- Remove the smoked mac and cheese from the smoker and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce on the side for drizzling, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra smokiness, you can sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or smoked cheese over the top before smoking.
- If you prefer more heat, add a dash of cayenne or increase the buffalo sauce in the cheese sauce.
Enjoy your smoky, cheesy, and bold Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese masterpiece!
THE RESULTS
Amazing! Seriously this recipe is a contender for any version of this delicious dish you have ever had. I drizzled each serving with more buffalo sauce and some chopped green onions. My wife and daughter both loved it too. In case you were wondering, yes, ChatGPT can be used for recipes!
